Top 5 best scooter rentals in Amsterdam

Amsterdam rewards anyone willing to leave the tram behind. Picture yourself gliding along the wide, car-free paths of Vondelpark in the early morning, then weaving through the narrow canal streets of the Jordaan before crossing the free ferry to the old shipyards at NDSM Wharf. A short ride is all it takes to swap postcard views for the kind of streets most visitors never see — and a scooter gets you there without waiting for the next tram or fighting for a parking spot.

This is a city built at bicycle scale, which is exactly why a scooter works so well here. The centre is compact, the canal ring is dense with one-way streets and bridges, and cars are a minority everywhere. A scooter is small enough to slip through the Jordaan's tight lanes yet has the legs for longer stretches like the paved routes through Amsterdamse Bos or the run out to the windmills at Zaanse Schans, so you're never stuck choosing between "slow and local" and "fast and far."

Top 10 things to see in Amsterdam by scooter

1. Vondelpark — Amsterdam's largest city park, with wide car-free paths ideal for an easy first ride.
2. Rijksmuseum — the iconic building with the famous cycle-through passage underneath, a classic Amsterdam photo stop.
3. Van Gogh Museum — right next to the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein, an easy add-on stop.
4. Jordaan district — narrow canal streets and courtyards best explored slowly, away from car traffic.
5. Anne Frank House — a near-mandatory stop on the Prinsengracht canal.
6. Dam Square — the historic heart of the city and a natural starting point for a ride.
7. Amsterdamse Bos — a large forest park on the city's southern edge, popular for a longer scenic ride.
8. NDSM Wharf — a former shipyard turned creative hub in Amsterdam-Noord, reached via the free ferry across the IJ.
9. Zaanse Schans — a windmill village a short ride north of the city, a favourite day trip.
10. Museumplein — the open square bordering the major museums, a good spot to regroup mid-ride.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Amsterdam?

For both the 25 km/h snorfiets and the faster 45 km/h bromfiets, you'll need a category AM licence, which is already included in a standard car or motorcycle licence. The minimum age is 16. An International Driving Permit isn't legally required in the Netherlands, though it's worth carrying alongside your passport. Expect to leave a deposit, usually a card pre-authorisation, and to show ID when you pick up the scooter.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Amsterdam?

Prices swing with the seasons. In low season you can find a scooter from EUR 5 to EUR 15 per day, while high season typically runs EUR 20 to EUR 35 per day. Premium models go for EUR 30 to EUR 45 per day.

• Cheapest months: November to February.
• Priciest months: June to August, when demand peaks.

When to book a rental scooter in Amsterdam?

High season runs from April to September and peaks in July and August, with tulip season from mid-March to mid-May adding an extra spike in demand around Lisse and Keukenhof. If you're visiting during these months, book ahead. Low season, from November to February, brings quieter streets and much lower prices, though the weather turns wet and windy with short daylight hours.

Local traffic rules in Amsterdam

Traffic drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both bromfiets and snorfiets riders, and dipped headlights must stay on at all times, day and night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas (with many 30 km/h zones), rising to 80 km/h outside towns, while your scooter itself is capped at 25 or 45 km/h depending on type. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l. Where a cycle path exists you're required to use it, though snorfietsen are banned from many Amsterdam cycle paths and must ride on the road wearing a helmet instead — worth remembering before you set off.

Types of scooters available

On our website you can rent the following types of scooters: classic scooter, Vespa, moped, motoroller, motoscooter, with a sidecar, with automatic or manual gears, three-wheeled scooters, large, maxi-scooter, touring, scooters with a windscreen and a roof, underbones, electric scooters.

Models of scooters available

On our website you can hire scooters from the following manufacturers: Adly, Aeon, Aprilia, Piaggio, Bajaj, Benelli, Beta, BMW, Derbi, Gilera, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, LML, Malaguti, Peugeot, PGO, Suzuki, SYM, TVS, Vespa, Yamaha.

Which insurance is provided with my rental scooter?

Usually basic third-party insurance is included in the rental price. If you wish to have more protection you can purchase additional CDW insurance, which limits your risk to the amount of your deposit. If you wish to rent a scooter without a deposit and with zero risk, you will need to add full insurance to your reservation.

Extra services available

When you make an online scooter reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, delivery to your hotel, delivery to your address, delivery to the arrival point of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for scooter hire;
• Compare prices of scooter rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a scooter online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local moped rental companies have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept scooter, helmet, lock, top case, GPS, insurance and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a scooter, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!